I think high school students should be allowed to choose some of the subjects they study. However, the basic subjects, like mathematics, literature, and science, should be mandatory for all students.

　　When I was in high school, we were allowed to choose three electives each semester. Electives were subjects that werent part of the bask curriculum. They included things like music, journalism, art, and various kinds of team sports. Choosing some of these subjects to study gave me a chance to experiment. I was able to get a head start on what I was going to study in college.

　　However, college preparation shouldnt be the main factor. I think all students should be allowed to take a certain number of courses just because theyre interested in them. For many students, high school is the last chance to learn about things theyre interested in. Maybe once they have a job there wont be time for studying.

　　Of course, its also important that students study certain basic subjects. If Id had a choice, I know I wouldnt have studied mathematics or science. I wasnt very interested in them. However, once I was in class, I found myself getting interested. I wouldnt have known this if Id been given the choice, because I would have chosen not to take the courses.

　　High school students arent always the best judges of what theyll find useful in the years ahead. They need the guidance of experts in the field of education. However, they also need some freedom to follow their curiosity and individual interests. They should be given the freedom to choose some courses, while being required to take others.